The DCT is a game changer, we were also against automatic gearbox on cars when they first appear because it’s in our human nature to oppose change, but now everybody wants them. The DCT lets you focus more on the ride, …I wouldn’t change a DCT to a manual ever.
Don’t listen to this nonsense.. you can’t ride a DCT once or twice and judge it.. you don’t have do anything in a turn.. i have a manual bike and the rebel 1100 dct.. i love them both for different reasons.. if you only know a manual experience it feels like you don’t have as much control with the dct.. just trust the bike and it’s always in the appropriate gear… it may not be the gear you would have it in… but it’s always spot on and safe… you have to give up any control issues and trust the bike and then the dct is a dream.. it might be too easy to ride but definitely not unsafe
The DCT I think is good for people living in the city and people with disabilities who may have a hard time shifting, which is a great thing and a great niche market.
I had the Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT (2018) and loved the DCT. Did not use manual but did find one of the sport modes that shifted close to what I would do with a manual. The AT was just too top heavy for me so I sold it and just got a CB500X. The clutch is so light it makes it easy to handle. But I missed the DCT so I just added a 2022 Rebel 1100 DCT. I am using manual for the twisties and it works great, I can have it in auto for ease and great fuel consumption then push the manual setting for going through the sporty sections. DCT is a bit challenging for slow speed but I find the Rebel much easier than the ATAS.
I just finished watching the 3 part series. My thanks to you and Ninja for doing the videos. Those bikes really get after it. Based on my normal commute, when I am ready for a bigger bike, I think I will skip the 500 and go for the manual 1100. There are 11 curves in the paved country road I ride and if I have to use the paddles anyway, then there is no point to buy the DCT. I still have many months of riding with the 300 before I upgrade. I strongly recommend T-Rex Racing footboards for additional comfort for those who don't like their feet on the stock pegs. Going to get their crash bars and heel shift lever later along with the wind screen you have. Thanks for the link for it in a previous conversation.
Commenting to fuel the algorithm because these reviews are awesome! - I've had my 2021 Rebel 500 SE for only 6 weeks now following my test. Probably shouldn't be watching these videos as I'm getting tempted to trade in for the 1100 already. Have you folks heard anything about the 2022 1100 models yet? I'm hoping they offer more colors and maybe a special edition with all the trimmings that the 500 version got. Maybe sort out the DCT a bit too to make it more tempting.
You have a great bike in the 500 (for what it is). Honda changes out colors every year, always offering the basic black. I haven’t followed what may be in the 2022 1100’s yet, but it will be fun to see the adjustments they make to the 1100’s moving forward. Move up from the 500 to the 1100 when you’re ready. You will love the power of the 1100 and that down low torque that you don’t get with the 500. But at the same time you will miss the pure smoothness of the 500 and how forgiving it is to riders. Still, the 1100’s power and torque are awesome! Ride safe and enjoy your bike.
Hello from UK. Couldn’t find the reference to the screen. Could you tell us the manufacturer and model details? Were they good or were there problems. Thank you for the very helpful detailed review. I have just bought the dct model.
Good to hear from the UK! The windshield is a "Slipstreamer SS-24 Hellfire Windscreen Clear Cruiser'. You can find it on-line, doesn't have to be Amazon. I've installed four of them, two on Rebel 500's and two on Rebel 1100's. They installed quickly and differently between the bike models. After installing two, I found my rhythm and put the other two on really fast, maybe 15 minutes or so. The windshield works well for me. Things to be aware of: The screws can loosen between rides. You may want to put some LocTite on them. I just check them before every ride. Sometimes they need tightening, and sometimes they don't. Use a microfiber cloth on the windshield so it doesn't get scratched. I lost a couple of the screws, so bought generic screws at the local hardware store. They aren't as pretty as the originals, but they work really well so I'm happy. Those are the only cautions I have. I love the windshield. It does a great job.
Now I wish I had pushed the DCT a few more mph when I had it at 98 so I could see/feel the governor for myself. I just didn’t know about the governor then. Is the governor on all 1100’s everywhere? There must be a reason Honda did this. 👋 from California.
@@mcSal Yes, ALL 1100s are governed. Don’t no why! Makes no sense cause they are in direct competition with Harley and Triumph along with the other bid Japanese Manufacturers. And WHY put that big of a motor with that kind of torque on a bike that you can’t use. Maybe the stock suspension or frame won’t handle it. QUESTION: I haven’t ridden since the mid ‘80s, I’m now 68 and short 5’3” with 28” inseam. Do you feel I can handle this bike? Thank you for your opinion and Cheers.
Great comparison review, so thanks for that. I'm not clear on whether or not the manual transmission also has the various modes to select from, for example the rain mode and sport mode. Can you help me on that? Looking at a new 500 Rebel this Tuesday, but curious if the 1100 might work for me as a new rider. Thanks
All Rebel 1100’s have rain, standard, sport and user modes, and ABS and cruise control are standard. The Rebel 500 has just one rider mode (ride!), no cruise control, and ABS is optional. The Rebel 500 is an almost perfect bike, but you are likely to outgrow it in the first year by wanting more power. Try a Rebel 1100 in rain or standard modes. Then you can work your way up to sport mode. The 1100 is not as forgiving as the 500. The 500 is a much better starter bike, very smooth action, won’t jump out from under you, does fine on the freeway, goes everywhere, and does everything you ask without complaint. It just has to work harder to do some things that a more powerful bike does easily. But you won’t notice that unless you were to ride a more powerful bike. The 1100 is less forgiving in lower gears (snatchy throttle, not as smooth, likes higher revs pulling out from a stop which means more friction zone for the rider), but the rain and standard modes help some with that. For experienced riders, sport or user mode is where it’s at on the Rebel 1100. The 1100 has a lot of torque and horsepower, and won’t leave you wanting. The 500 is definitely handier on curves than the 1100. It’s up to you and what you feel you would do well with. Both bikes are really good bikes.
Hi Ladies, great review! 👍 I also think about upgrading from a Rebel 500 to a Rebel 1100, the manual, of course.... 😄 I love the agility of my Rebel 500 which also comes from its low weight. Great advantage when riding in city traffic! How did you experience the additional weight of 66 lbs? Still that agile? Would be very interesting for me, because there is no way at the moment in Germany to get a Rebel1100 for a test drive.....
Thank you! The 500 is a nearly perfect bike. I just wish it had more power (and a better seat for long rides). The 1100 has all the power and torque one would want to get you away from traffic or have fun on the road. The 1100 is not as light and agile as the 500, but the 1100 is light enough and agile enough to be my choice between the two bikes. I love the power and torque of the 1100. It makes me smile and feel good. If you’ve watched my videos, you would know I am not a fan of the 1100 DCT. But I love my Rebel 1100 Manual. I currently have both 1100’s and the 500.
I wouldn’t have the DCT. I never did get to ride a Rebel 1100 because I decided on the Harley Street Bob instead. Cell I really want you to go to your local Harley dealership and test ride one of the new street bobs. I think you would really appreciate the massive amount of torque and nimbleness of the street bob. 🤘🏼♥️
I did take some time getting used to but now I feel connected to the bike like my old manual One. You are right in the notes and it keeps coming up in reviews is the if the dct is not reset/calibrated it feels clunky, it's not in the user manual and I think a lot of shops don't know about it after they put it together... Mine didn't. After I did the recalibration it was a lot smoother to the point I did not even notice it change gears. After a lot of riding I find myself grateful for the DCT more often then I miss the shifting but I also live in a city with lots of stops and other things I can focus on more now
Good info. Thanks. I didn’t want to do a DCT reset until after these videos, because I wanted everyone to see the bike as I purchased it brand new. I’m glad you love your DCT after the reset. Hope I feel the same way after this one is reset. Ride safe.
@@mcSal it's a great video and it is great you can ride both and give a review that way. I really only miss the shifting on weekend joy rides along a curvy River road. The shifters are faster but some how not as satisfying
I'm assuming you guys are in the US and therefore you are dealing with a different kind of market for motorcycles and roads. So what I'm about to say is based on my French point of view. I can see the appeal of a 2 wheeled vehicle with an automatic transmission and comfortable ergonomics. And you mentioned scooters which is exactly what came to my mind. So if you factor out the way a Rebel looks then you're better off with a maxiscooter than a DCT Rebel. I don't even know if you can buy these sorts of Bike but it's basically a Scooter with a big engine like The Yamaha Tmax and the BMW C650. The latter puts out 60HP and it has a CVT transmission which to me is way more refined and seamless than the clunky DCT Honda has to offer. Very quick off the line, similar price, way more practical with a lot of storage space and a seat that can comfortably carry a passenger. Any way, enough of me rambling, it was great hearing you guys. I hope you'll give your impressions on more motorcycles.
Totally convinced on the manual model; still hesitating between the rebel 1100 manual and de vulcan 650s for budget reasons: many used stellar condition vulcan 650s on the market but obviously barely no used rebel 1100 because it’s so new; I wouldn’t mind getting a bran new rebel 1100 if it’s a significantly better bike though; what would you do? Any chance you do a comparaison between the rebel 1100 manual Vs the vulcan 650s?
We can do a comparison between the Vulcan S and the Rebel 1100. The Vulcan S has Ergo Fit. The Rebel 1100 has different rider modes, different displays, more power, more torque. Personally, I definitely choose the Rebel 1100. But the Vulcan S is a great bike, too.
Honda's VFR 1200 DCT and Yamaha's FJR 1300 DCT were both dropped pretty quickly, maybe for the same indecisive gear selection on tight corners that you've highlighted here. Best regards from Wales.
I Get the lighter feeling you are talking about on the DCT. When you are holding a gear and slowing down on manual you are stull connected to transmission you lose that connection as the DCT disengages the clutch causing a stability control input from your body that's different. Same feeling going into and out of turns. I wouldn't ride this bike in anything but sports mode. I use much more break and throttle at the same time on the DCT to keep that engaged feeling.
hey Sal I have a quick question . so I've been wanting to pull the trigger on that manual 1100 but me being me I would feel so much more comfortable if I could sit on it first, however they seem to be impossible to find here in my area or anywhere within a reasonable driving distance. How does the 500 and 1100 differ on seating position does it seem bigger or wider or is it about the same ? I ask because my local dealer has 500s on the showroom floor that I could use as a comparison .
@knight hawk I have a video comparing the Rebels 1100 vs 500, which includes the seat differences: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3C2qUEEK8Qg.html . The rider triangle is exactly the same on both bikes. The seat is slightly wider and thicker on the 1100. If I were given the choice between the 500 and 1100 manual, I would absolutely go for the 1100 manual. It has rider modes, cruise control, and a ton of power and torque. The 1100 bike is wider overall, has a much huskier look to it, and is about 50 pounds (22.7 kg) heavier than the 500. The Rebel 500 is a great bike, will do anything you ask and I enjoy riding it, but I wish it had more power.
@@knighthawk39 How exciting!!! I've had so many people see the Bordeaux Red 1100 and come up and tell me how awesome it looks. It's a true cranberry/wine color. Check back in after your first ride and tell us what you think! Ride safe.
Yes, I can. There have been quite a few people asking about the wind screen. We use that particular wind screen on our Rebel 500's and now both 1100's.
The reality of the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ***BIG SCOOTER W/FEW GEARS***. For people with Arthritis and disabilities. Right to the point. God bless USA 🇺🇸.
I may get hate mail for saying this, but have to be honest. I think there are better bikes out there that would make me happier in that price range. The 1100’s are wonderful bikes. But I wasn’t thrilled with the DCT, and the Manual version has short lower gears. We all talk about all the bikes here, and if we could only pick one, which one bike would it be? Almost everyone (including me, with reservations) picks the Triumph Street Twin after riding all of these bikes. The ST is $9,300. The Rebel 1100 Manual is $9,300. The Rebel 1100 DCT is $10,000 USD.
@@paul.aragon I would also be looking closely at the Yamaha MT-09 at $9400 if it had a lower seat (32.3”, 820 mm), even though it’s more of a sporty bike. Can’t imagine it beating out the Triumph Street Twin, though. The ST is an Awesome bike. I like all of my bikes for different reasons. I just think the ST is the most complete bike of the group, checking more boxes than the others.
Did you try putting the dct in sportmode? You do this by changing the riding mode to user. You then get a new tab in the menu for riding modes called ”D”. Change this to level 3 and try the difference.
Check out the first video (part 1 - physical comparison, part 2 - the ride, and this is part 3 - after ride). Part 1 has Ninja sitting on both bikes. I'm also 5'4". Ninja is 5' 1 1/2" and she's just fine on the 1100. The 1100 is a tiny bit taller (1100-27.5" vs 500-27.2"), with a wider seat than the 300 or 500, and about 70 pounds heavier. If you can ride the 300/500, you can ride the 1100. I always check seat height on bikes, and 31" is pretty much my limit.
Yes, the DCT is great for city driving, but it is good for more than that. It’s great for freeways. Tighter curves and twistees feel much better on the Manual transmission, unless you get used to using the DCT’s paddles to downshift. Slow speed maneuvers are definitely better on the Manual. Or switch the DCT to manual mode and use the paddles to do all the shifting. That helps tremendously. The weight variance does make the DCT feel a little more ‘top heavy’ than the Manual transmission, also.
DCT failures - low speed manoeuvres, gear shift clunk and inappropriate shifting. The last you can override with manual mode and paddles. If you slip at all on a low speed manoeuvre then there is no safety net clutch to take away those horses, you have to drop the throttle on the grip with the brake lever - not really a great idea.
Totally agree. That's how we both saw it, also. DCT riders are saying to drag the rear brake (in lieu of pulling in a clutch) to drop the HP faster. The DCT definitely has its strengths (excels in stop & go traffic, no foot shifting required), but you have to also accept its weaknesses. For me, other bikes make me much happier, including a variety of Manual transmission bikes and the Zero SR/S. But there are other people out there that love the Rebel 1100 DCT, and the Honda DCT's in general.
@@mcSal some people have to live with it for a while to better understand it’s strengths and weaknesses. I’ve had the nc750s dct for 8 months and I’m throwing it to the dealer and buying a manual. I’m mainly saying, ride around doing slow manoeuvres if your on test for 15 mins at least - figure 8’s and u turns and low speed slaloms. We can all ride straight lines with it :)
